ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh calls for promoting Agri-tech start-ups in Uttarakhand to arrest the large-scale migration of youth
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami met Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh and discussed wide range of issues related to Uttarakhand
Before concluding his Uttarakhand visit, Union Minister of State  Science & Technology; Minister of State  Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh had a meeting with Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, during which, among others issues, he impressed upon the CM to promote Agri-tech StartUps, since Uttarakhand had a vast potential for it. He also updated Dhami about the Aroma Mission launched by CSIR in the Union Ministry of Science & Technology.
The two leaders also discussed implementation of various centrally funded schemes in the State & the current affairs related to the State.
Dr Jitendra Singh urged Dhami to promote Agri-tech start-ups in the State to arrest the large-scale migration of youth and promised all help from the Ministry of Science and Technology.
The Union Minister said that the geography and climatic conditions in Himalayan states like Uttarakhand favour the cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants and these can be developed into Agri-tech and aromatic enterprises. Referring to the huge success of CSIR supported Aroma Mission in Jammu and Kashmir, the Minister said, the same can be replicated in a big way in Devbhoomi.
The Chief Minister also proposed to the Union Science & Technology Minister setting up of new scientific institutions in the State and extending the services of the existing Indian Institute of Petroleum at Dehradun.
Dr Jitendra Singh offered support for providing free quality planting material and end-to-end technology package on cultivation, processing, value addition and marketing of the Lavender crop to the farmers. He said, CSIR will provide comprehensive handholding from product development to marketing to the willing youth and farmers. The Minister said, as large numbers and area is under small and marginal holdings, appreciable economic outcomes can be achieved by pooling resources for Aroma mission.
Dhami also discussed a wide range of State related issues ranging from development to placement of All India Services officers with the Union Minister. He brought to the notice of Dr Jitendra Singh, who is also Minister In-charge Department of Personnel & Training , some of the issues related to deputation and placement of IAS officers in Uttarakhand. In response, Dr Jitendra Singh said, he will ask the Department to give due consideration to all these issues and examine what best can be done.
The Chief Minister also requested the Union Minister to follow up with the Central Government the progress of some of the other proposals of projects in Uttarakhand. The Union Minister in return said that his office will take due cognizance of this.
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Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Diesel Generator  sets of capacity up to 800 kW shall be permitted for industrial and commercial sector in the entire NCR, subject to their conversion to dual fuel system in areas where gas infrastructure and supply is available
In a move to comprehensively prevent, control and abate air pollution caused by Diesel Generator  sets in the National Capital Region , the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas  has directed NCR State Governments and NCR Pollution Control Boards /DPCC vide Direction No. 71 that w.e.f. 15.05.2023, for periods other than during ban/ restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan , any use of Diesel Generator  sets of capacity up to 800 kW shall be permitted for industrial and commercial sector in the entire NCR, only subject to their conversion to dual fuel system  in areas where gas infrastructure and supply is available.
DG sets operations are selectively permitted in industrial applications in the periods under GRAP provided they are equipped with Retro-fit Emission Control Devices  in accordance with the CPCB guidelines towards a minimum PM capturing efficiency of 70% for in-use DG sets up to 800 kW gross power category and such DG sets are also converted to run in a dual fuel mode , in areas where gas infrastructure and supply is available.
CAQM has observed that amongst others, uncontrolled use of DG sets is a matter of concern. A large number of DG sets operating in the region without adequate emission control measures, even during the periods other than the ban under GRAP, cause heavy air pollution and are thus a major contributing factor for deterioration of air quality in the region. Therefore, regulating the use of DG Sets even for the periods when there is no ban or restrictions imposed under the GRAP, is the need of the hour.
Further, it is reiterated that operation of DG sets during period of restrictions/ ban under the GRAP is regulated in the NCR as per Direction No. 54-57 dated 08.02.2022 and Direction No. 68 dated 14.09.2022 read with Order dated 16.12.2022. Moreover, NCR State PCBs/DPCC to ensure compliance of the directions through suitable consent mechanisms and periodic monitoring.
President's Secretariat
Envoys of Five Nations Present Credentials to President of India
The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu accepted credentials from High Commissioner of Uganda and Ambassadors of Vietnam, Iran, Sweden and Belgium at a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan today . Those who presented their credentials were:
1. H.E. Ms Joyce Kakuramatsi Kikafunda, High Commissioner of the Republic of Uganda
2. H.E. Mr Nguyen Thanh Hai, Ambassador of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam
3. H.E. Dr Iraj Elahi, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran
4. H.E. Mr Jan Thesleff, Ambassador of Sweden
5. H.E. Mr Didier Vanderhasselt, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium
Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers
A workshop on Techno-management options to control Orobanche in mustard held
A field workshop on “Techno-management options to control Orobanche in mustard-a pilot study” was jointly organized by Institute of Pesticide Formulation Technology , Gurugram, Haryana and the ICAR-Directorate of Rapeseed-Mustard Research , Bharatpur at village Gurda Nandi in the Bharatpur district.
The workshop was held at the project site and attended by the Scientists from IPFT, Gurugram and the ICAR-DRMR, Bharatpur as well as by the 50 mustard growing farmers whose crop is affected by Orobanche.
Orobanche a serious hidden parasitic weed in mustard cause severe yield loss to the extent of up to 50% and there is no absolute control measures developed so far, said Dr. P.K. Rai, Director, ICAR-DRMR, Bharatpur. He explained the mechanism of parasitism of Orobanche in mustard, its chemistry of attachment and bio-physical behaviour. The work initiated on innovative herbicide formulation and field testing showed good insights about the Orobanche management and will come out with fruitful results in the coming years, said Dr. Jitendra Kumar, Director, IPFT, Gurugram. He apprised that a joint project is launched by theInstitute of Pesticide Formulation Technology , Gurugram, Haryana and the ICAR-Directorate of Rapeseed-Mustard Research, Bharatpur under the able guidance of Sh. Kashi Nath Jha, Joint Secretary, Dept. of Chemicals & Petrochemicals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, New Delhi.
On this occasion a technical bulletin and a leaflet on Orobanche management was released. In the scientist-farmer interaction, famers expressed their misery due to menace caused by Orobanche in the mustard which is a main cash crop in this region and asked for any immediate control measure.
Prime Minister's Office
PM condoles demise of DPIIT Secretary, Dr. Guruprasad Mohapatra
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has expressed deep grief over the demise of DPIIT Secretary, Dr. Guruprasad Mohapatra.
In a tweet, the Prime Minister said, "Saddened by the demise of Dr. Guruprasad Mohapatra, DPIIT Secretary. I had worked with him extensively in Gujarat and at the Centre. He had a great understanding of administrative issues and was known for his innovative zeal. Condolences to his family and friends. Om Shanti."
Ministry of Women and Child Development
Crimes Against Women
National Crime Records Bureau  compiles and publishes information on crimes against women in its publication 'Crime in India'. As per the data published by NCRB, a total of 4,05,326 and 3,71,503 cases of crime against women were registered across the country during the years 2019 and 2020 respectively. The data shows decline in the crime against women during the year 2020 as compared to 2019.
- “Police” and “Public Order” are State subjects under the Seventh Schedule to the Constitution of India. The responsibility to maintain law and order, protection of life and property of the citizens including investigation and prosecution of crime against women and children rests primarily with the respective State Governments.
Nevertheless, the Central Government gives highest priority to ensuring safety and security of women and has undertaken various legislative and schematic interventions in this regard. These include legislations such as 'The Criminal Law  Act, 2018', 'The Criminal Law  Act, 2013', 'The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace  Act, 2013', 'The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2006', 'The Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961', etc.
The schemes/ projects implemented by Central Government include One Stop Centres ; Universalisation of Women Helplines , Emergency Response Support System  which is a pan-India single number / mobile app based system for emergencies; a cyber-crime reporting portal to report obscene content; Safe City Projects in 8 cities  including infrastructure, technology adoption and capacity building in community through awareness programmes, training and skill development programs for Investigation Officers, Prosecution Officers and Medical Officers; distribution of Sexual Assault Evidence Collection  Kits to States/ UTs; establishment of State of Art DNA Laboratory at CFSL, Chandigarh; assistance to 24 States/ UTs to strengthen Forensic Science Laboratories; setting up of 1023 Fast Track Special Courts  including exclusive POCSO  Courts for speedy disposal of cases of rape and cases under POCSO Act; setting up/ strengthening of Anti Human Trafficking Units  in all districts of the country; setting up/ strengthening of Women Help Desks  at Police Stations etc. The Government has also put in place Investigation Tracking System for Sexual Offences, an online analytic tool for tracking and monitoring of investigation. A National Database of Sexual Offenders  has also been created. In addition, Ministry of Women and Child Development and Ministry of Home Affairs have issued advisories to States/ UTs from time to time on various issues pertaining to safety and security of women and children.
This information was given by the Union Minister of Women and Child Development, Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani, in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation
National Statistical Office , Government of India has launched a nationwide Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises  2022-23 from October 2022 to September 2023
To discuss about various aspects of survey and dynamic data processing, a 2-days Workshop for the Data Supervisors of NSO, DQAD-Data Processing Centre, Ahmedabad under Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation will be held during 13-14 October, 2022 at Ahmedabad
National Statistical Office , Government of India is conducting a nationwide Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises  2022-23 during October, 2022 to September, 2023. Unincorporated sector is an integral part of Indian economy, which not only comprises of large number of establishments but also generates large number of employment. Besides, its contribution to Gross Domestic Product  of the country is also significant. Unincorporated sector has tremendous potential to grow higher. Faster and inclusive growth needs special attention to this sector.
This necessitates the need for reliable and comprehensive data pertaining to unincorporated sector for planning and policy formulations. ASUSE 2022-23 is devoted exclusively to economic and operational characteristics of unincorporated non-agricultural enterprises in manufacturing, trade and other services sectors. This will help National Accounts Division  of NSO to compute important components of national accounts. The data being collected from ASUSE 2022-23 will help in meeting the requirements of different Ministries and Organizations. The survey will cover the rural and urban areas of whole of India. The data will be captured through tablets based on Computer Assisted Personal Interview  software.
The comprehensive data collected from all-India selected samples will be processed and validated at Data Quality Assurance Division , DP Centre Ahmedabad. Hence, to discuss about various technical aspects of the survey and data processing principles, a 2-days Workshop for the officials of DQAD-Data Processing Centre, Ahmedabad under NSO, Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation will be held during 13-14 October 2022 in Ahmedabad.
The conference will be addressed by the Centre Head Dr. Rahul S. Jagtap, Deputy Director General. Shri Sanjib Basu, Deputy Director General from the DQAD headquarters, Kolkata associated with ASUSE and Shri S. K. Bhanawat, Deputy Director General and Regional Head of NSO , Gujarat  Region will deliver keynote addresses. Senior Officers from DQAD , DQAD-DPC Ahmedabad and FOD, RO, Ahmedabad will also participate in the workshop. Survey related concepts, dynamic data processing, quality and timeliness aspects will be deliberated at length by Shri L.M. Jadeja, Director, Smt. Swagata Mitra, Deputy Director, Shri. K.S. Patel and Shri Surya Dasgupta, Assistant Directors of DQAD Ahmedabad Centre and headquarters.
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Prime Minister's Office
PM greets people on Janmashtami
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has greeted the people on the auspicious occasion of Janmashtami.
In a tweet, the Prime Minister said;
"Greetings to you all on the auspicious occasion of Janmashtami.
आप सभी को जन्माष्टमी की ढेरों शुभकामनाएं।
जय श्रीकृष्ण!"
Ministry of Science & Technology
Knowhow of Economical and Environment-Friendly Saline Gargle RT-PCR technique transferred to MSME Ministry
Saline Gargle RT-PCR method should be implemented especially in rural and tribal areas for faster, citizen-friendly COVID-19 testing: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari
Saline Gargle RT-PCR Innovation can be licensed to all eligible parties, for mass production: CSIR-NEERI
Mumbai, 12th September 2021
In a notable step forward in India’s fight against COVID-19, Nagpur-based National Environmental Engineering Research Institute  under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research  has transferred the know-how of indigenously developed Saline Gargle RT-PCR technique, used for testing COVID-19 samples. The Saline Gargle RT-PCR technology is simple, fast, cost-effective, patient-friendly and comfortable; it also provides instant test results and is well-suited for rural and tribal areas, given minimal infrastructure requirements.
CSIR-NEERI stated that the innovation developed by the institute has been ‘dedicated to the nation’ to serve the society. The knowhow has been transferred to the Union Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises , on a non-exclusive basis. This would enable the innovation to be commercialized and licensed to all capable parties, including private, government and various rural development schemes and departments.
The licensees are expected to set up manufacturing facilities for commercial production in the form of easily usable compact kits. In the light of the prevailing pandemic situation and probable third wave of COVID-19, CSIR-NEERI fast-tracked the know-how transfer process to potential licensees for its wider dissemination across the nation.
The ceremonial transfer of the Standard Operating Procedure and Know-How of the Saline Gargle RT-PCR technique was done in the presence of Union Minister Shri Nitin Gadkari yesterday, 11th September 2021.
On the occasion, the Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways said: “The Saline Gargle RT-PCR method needs implementation across the nation, especially in resource-poor regions like rural and tribal areas. This would result in faster and more citizen-friendly testing and will strengthen our fight against the pandemic. The MSME unit had approached CSIR-NEERI for commercializing the Saline Gargle RT-PCR technology developed by CSIR-NEERI.
The principal inventor of Saline Gargle RT-PCR technology is NEERI scientist Dr. Krishna Khairnar and the team of research scholars of Environmental Virology, at CSIR-NEERI, Nagpur.
Scientist and Head, EVC, CSIR-NEERI , Dr Krishna Khairnar; Director, CSIR-NEERI, Dr. Srivari Chandrasekhar; Chairman, Technology Transfer, CSIR-NEERI, Dr Atul Vaidya; MSME Unit Director Shri Rajesh Daga and MSME Unit Director Shri Kamlesh Daga were also present during the transfer of know-how to MSME Unit.
Also Read:
Innovative Patient-Friendly Saline Gargle RT-PCR Testing Method, thanks to NEERI Nagpur
Ministry of Home Affairs
MHA suspends Sh. Jitendra Narain, IAS on charges of grave misconduct
The Ministry of Home Affairs , today placed Sh. Jitendra Narain, a senior IAS officer of AGMUT Cadre under suspension with immediate effect. The Ministry received a report on 16.10.2022 from Andaman & Nicobar Police regarding the alleged sexual assault of a lady by Sh. Jitendra Narain, IAS , the then Chief Secretary, Andaman & Nicobar Islands and others. As the Report indicated the possibility of grave misconduct and misuse of official position on the part of Sh. Jitendra Narain, IAS , the Union Home Minister directed to take immediate strict action against the officer concerned as per law. Accordingly, Sh. Jitendra Narain, IAS  has been placed under suspension with immediate effect and disciplinary proceedings have been ordered against him.
The Government is committed to ensuring zero tolerance towards the acts of indiscipline by its officials irrespective of their rank and status, especially with regard to incidents involving the dignity of women. An FIR has been registered and action in the criminal case is being taken separately by the SIT of Andaman & Nicobar Police.
Ministry of Railways
Incidence on Rail Tracks between Badnapur and Karmad Stations on Nanded Division
In an unfortunate incident that occurred in the wee hours of 8th May, 2020 morning i.e., around 05.22 hrs, a group of persons who were sleeping on railway tracks, were hit by a goods train proceeding towards Manmad. The incident occurred between Badnapur and Karmad stations on the Parbhani – Manmad section of Nanded Division.
Out of the group comprising of about 19 persons, 14 succumbed to death on the spot and 02 persons have succumbed to the injuries subsequently. One person with minor injuries is being treated at the Aurangabad Civil Hospital. The incident occurred, even as the Loco Pilot of the Goods Train honked the horn as soon as he noticed the group of people infringing the rail tracks and also made all possible efforts to stop the train.
Immediately on receipt of information, Senior Officials of Railway Protection Force , the Security wing of the Railways rushed to the spot along with Officers from other departments. The Divisional Railway Manager, Nanded Division Shri Upinder Singh also reached the site to personally monitor relief operations. A Medical Relief Van  comprising of a team of Doctors, Nurses and other para-medical staff along with medicines and medical equipment also rushed to the spot to undertake medical relief measures. Shri Gajanan Mallya, General Manager, SCR held a meeting with Principal Heads of Departments, immediately on receipt of information about the incident and directed that the relief and rescue operations be taken up at the fastest.
A high-level inquiry headed by Commissioner of Railway Safety  has been ordered to investigate the incident and arrive at the cause. Shri Piyush Goyal, Hon’ble Minister of Railways is closely monitoring the situation and is being briefed on the steps taken in this regard.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
For the 4th successive day, India tests more than 6 lakh samples in 24 hours
More than 2.27 crore total samples tested
Tests Per Million  continue to rise, stands at 16513 today
In a testament to the consistent and coordinated efforts of the Centre and the State/UT governments, India continues its track record of testing more than 6 lakh COVID-19 samples each day for the fourth successive day. Expanded diagnostic lab network and facilitation for easy testing across the country have given a boost, and with 6,39,042 tests conducted in last 24 hours, India has done 2,27,88,393 tests presently. The Tests Per Million  has seen a sharp increase to 16513.
The 7 day moving average in daily tests conducted has significantly improved from around 2.69 lakh on 14th July 2020 to around 5.66 lakh on 6th August 2020.
While the cumulative testing rose from 1.2 crore on 14th July 2020 to 2.2 crore on 6th August 2020, the positivity rate has seen a rise from 7.5% to 8.87% in the same period. Although higher number of tests will push the positivity rate initially, but as the Delhi experience has amply shown, it will eventually lower when combined with other measures such as prompt isolation, tracking and timely clinical management.
The graded and evolving response has resulted in a testing strategy that steadily widened the testing net in the country. To keep up with this strategy, the testing lab network in the country is continuously strengthened which as on today consists of 1383 labs in the country; 931 labs in the government sector and 452 private labs. These include:
• Real-Time RT PCR based testing labs: 701 
• TrueNat based testing labs: 573 
• CBNAAT based testing labs: 109 
For all authentic & updated information on COVID-19 related technical issues, guidelines & advisories please regularly visit: https://www.mohfw.gov.in/ and @MoHFW_INDIA.
Technical queries related to COVID-19 may be sent to technicalquery.covid19[at]gov[dot]in and other queries on ncov2019[at]gov[dot]in and @CovidIndiaSeva .
In case of any queries on COVID-19, please call at the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare helpline no.: +91-11-23978046 or 1075 . List of helpline numbers of States/UTs on COVID-19 is also available at https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/coronvavirushelplinenumber.pdf .